Blame North York council president for hotel plan

Adar LLC purchased the lot that borders North York’s park as well as 5th Avenue and includes the old sewing factory at the end of 3rd Avenue. The property is zoned “light industrial,” which has many uses by right, including a hotel/motel.

Over a five-month period, Adar came to this council and requested a change of zoning to R2, which would allow for a multi-unit apartment building complex. Rather than being directed to the zoning committee for review, the request to be heard was tabled and no information was offered.

After many months of zero cooperation on the part of this council, it was finally referred to the planning committee for its review, and it was the committee’s recommendation that the change of zoning be granted. It was under the leadership and persuasion of council President Vivian Amspacher that Tom Kuhn, Sandy Hinkle, Angi Kaltreider and Joyce Teare voted against the change of zoning. Rick Shank and Park Cunningham voted in favor of the change.

This negative vote resulted in the planned construction of a hotel beside our park.

To be absolutely clear, Adar did everything within its power to find the best fit for our neighborhood and create apartments. At no time did it want to pursue a hotel/motel until forced by the actions of this council and its president, Vivian Amspacher.

Now, we the residents of North York Borough are faced with the reality of a hotel/motel coming into our neighborhood. In various conversations with Chief Bentzel at Northern York County Regional Police, he has commented that in his opinion it could become a breeding ground for drug use, prostitution and possibly increased pedophile activity, given its proximity to our public park.

In recent meetings with Adar, I have seen the artist’s renderings of the hotel/motel, the plans are finished and they will present them to this council in the coming weeks. It is fully within Adar’s right to build a hotel/motel on the property now zoned “light industrial.”

This council, led by Vivian Amspacher, and her “personal views,” as it relates to this issue, has not represented the needs and best interest of this borough. Moreover, she has used the power of her position to influence other members of the preceding and current council to vote in a way that has resulted in the situation we face today.